Endowment Giving

You Can Create a Legacy of Education

One of the best ways to create a lasting family or personal legacy and help sustain the future of Heritage for generations ahead is to create an endowment fund. Endowment funds are held in perpetuity and invested for long-term growth while providing an income for the purpose designated by the donor(s). Only the interest earned on this investment is used to fund scholarships.

Scholarship endowments may be designated as restricted or unrestricted. For example, restricted funds can be used for student scholarships for specific majors like business, education or nursing, or to support access to programs that are of interest to the donor and aligned with the mission of Heritage University. Unrestricted funds in turn give Heritage University a larger amount of flexibility to designate the use of funds toward areas of need and can apply these to faculty; staff; development; teaching and research; maintenance; and other needs.

Why create an endowed fund?

Your investment and commitment to education help build the workforce of our communities. Students fund their education through a combination of student debt; State and Federal aid; and private scholarships. As debt burdens grow and public support weakens, the most critical source for keeping college affordable is private financial aid. Heritage is committed to increasing financial aid to our students to facilitate their graduation success.

How do I create an endowed fund?

Endowed funds at Heritage University may be established with a minimum commitment of $10,000. Funds can be named in honor of your family, parents, a valued community leader, or your business — creating a lasting legacy that reflects what matters most to you.

A formal fund agreement is created to outline the purpose of the endowment and any specific criteria you wish to establish. This ensures that your investment aligns with your philanthropic vision and continues to do so in perpetuity.

Gifts may be made outright or pledged and fulfilled over time until the $10,000 minimum is reached. Once the fund is fully endowed, it is invested for a period of one year to allow it to generate initial earnings. Beginning the following year, a portion of the annual investment earnings is distributed to support your designated program or scholarship. The remaining earnings are reinvested to help the endowment grow and sustain its impact for generations to come.

The Heritage University Board of Directors establishes the annual spending and reinvestment rate, ensuring both meaningful annual support and long-term preservation of the fund.

How do I receive information about how my endowed fund is used?

A Scholarship Market Value letter is mailed to fund holders annually. It outlines how your funds were used, or in the case of scholarships, how much was awarded, the recipients of the awards and the total market value of your endowed fund.

Can I add to my endowment once it is established?

You can add any amount you want to your endowment fund, as many times as you would like and at any time. Additionally, through your will or estate plan you may designate that a certain amount or percentage of your estate be directed to your fund.

What are some ways in which I can fund an endowment?

Endowments may be funded by an outright gift of cash, securities, a charitable trust, gift annuity, retirement accounts, paid-up insurance policies or a bequest, many of which can maximize tax benefits of your gift.

How does an endowment help a student at Heritage University?

Students are benefited by your support in numerous ways. We also measure community impact as your support adds value to the strength and capacity of communities. While at Heritage University, your investment is pooled with other resources.

For additional information, contact:

Sabra Nelson, Director of Advancement Services, (509) 865-8586
Nelson_S@heritage.edu